Precision is vital when you are baking or cooking in the kitchen. Whether using a digital or mechanical model, kitchen scales must be properly maintained and operating correctly to give accurate measurements. If looked after, a scale can last for years, but what are some signs your scale is broken?
All scales use mechanical components, which can malfunction at any given time. Digital scales also use electronic parts such as displays and an analog-to-digital converter to show measurements.
These electronic components can also stop working correctly. Monitoring how your kitchen scale performs and knowing the signs that your scale is broken are essential to know if you need to use your scale’s warranty for a repair or if it is time for a replacement.
If you are up to the job, you can try fixing the kitchen scales yourself!
Seven Signs That Your Scale is Broken
1. Unclear Scale Readings
If you have difficulty reading the scale’s display, it is impossible to get a precise weight. Not being able to see the number correctly on the display may indicate an issue with the scale’s electronic components.
You might notice some parts of the display are burnt out or blurry. This may mean the display needs to be replaced.
Your digital scale may have become damaged due to moisture. The battery may also need to be replaced if the display becomes faint. In some cases, you may need a new display.
2. Inconsistent Readings
You might first notice that your scale is broken if you see major changes in weight readings for items with exact weights. If your scale starts showing different readings, this may be a sign that it is not working correctly.
You can test your scale by confirming that the indicator is set to zero and weighing an item with an exact weight multiple times. If readings differ, you may need to have your scale re-calibrated or replaced.
Digital scales may also have a calibration mechanism that needs to be reset.
3. Fluctuating Readings
Your scale may be broken if the reading is unstable. A reading that is constantly changing might mean there is a problem with the electronics or mechanical indicator. It might also hint at problems with the scale’s other mechanical components.
Unstable scale readings may arise when there is humidity or issues with springs.
4. Drifting Readings
If a reading slowly increases or ‘drifts,’ your scale may be broken. Depending on the type of scale used, there may be an issue with the digital display or mechanical indicator. Other mechanical components might also cause it.
Drifting is usually caused by humidity within the scale, causing static building up on electrical components of a digital scale.
Static discharges may cause readings to drift.
5. Corrosive Damage
Seeing rust or other corrosive damage may be a sign of a problem. This issue is more common on mechanical components found within scales.
It is typically caused by moisture or exposure to certain chemicals that degrade a scale’s components. Rust and other corrosion can prevent parts from moving properly, which results in inaccurate readings.
Minor damage may be cleaned, but in other cases, parts will need to be replaced, or you may need a new scale.
Corrosive damage is one of the visual signs your scale is broken.
6. Scale is Not Turning On
A common issue with digital scales is that they will not turn on. It is one of the most obvious signs your scale is broken!
The solution could be as simple as replacing batteries. You may need to clean the battery connectors if new batteries are installed. You can also try the reset button if there is one – check the manual.
Another cause could be a problem with the power button. You likely need a replacement if your scale does not turn on despite your troubleshooting efforts.
7. Display is Not Working
If your digital display shows nothing or every part of the digits, this indicates a malfunction.
Water damage is the main cause of displays not working.
You can prevent water damage by avoiding contact with liquids. It would be best if you also store the scale in a warm and dry place. Extreme temperatures can also cause the display to stop working.
In these cases, a replacement is often needed.
Conclusion
Scales are not built to last forever, but the good thing is they are easy and cheap to replace if they do break! The 7 signs your scale is broken may not mean they are not repairable, but you will need to consider the difficulty or cost.
Good luck!